Rare Species & Wildlife Habitat

Horsley Witten Group (HW) field biologists are trained and experienced in field assessments for general and rare species habitat evaluations following the guidelines and protocols provided by DEP and NHESP, as well as other technical guidelines provided by regulatory review agencies.  HW has assisted many of our clients through the MESA permitting process, including submittals of permit applications and performing rare-species habitat assessments.  HW also has extensive experience in identifying, monitoring, and certifying vernal pools, as well as the following:

With increasing developmental pressure, the protection of wildlife and rare species habitat has become an increasing concern in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts .  Currently, there are 178 species of vertebrate and invertebrate animals and 264 species of native plants that are officially listed as Endangered, Threatened, or Species of Special Concern, as designated by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP). 

The 2005 implementation of the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (M.G.L. Ch. 131A) or MESA regulations governs activities within NHESP-designated Priority Habitat of Rare Species and Estimated Habitat of Rare Wildlife and Certified Vernal Pools.  The Regulations prohibit the “Take” of any State-listed rare plant or animal species. 

In addition, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued the Massachusetts Wildlife Habitat Protection Guidance for Inland Wetlands intended to assist Conservation Commissions and applicants in identifying important wildlife habitat as protected under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. Ch. 131 § 40) when certain regulatory thresholds are triggered by the impacts of a given project in a wetland resource area or vernal pool.

For more information on our Rare Species & Wildlife Habitat services contact:

Amy Ball

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